Jabar Lodge is located outside a small town about 30 minutes drive north of Stone Town with sea view. There is a beach but not a sandy one that is good to walk on or to enter the water from. The individual cottages are made of woven palm fronds, thatched roof, front porch facing the sea, and fully functioning bathroom. There is a very nice, modern hotel a 3 minute walk on the local road where you can pay to spend the day or just go to eat in their restaurant overlooking the water. The breakfast was always excellent starting with a fresh fruit plate, coffee or tea, eggs and toast. The owner Jamal is very nice and we were able to pay him to take us into town for a day and to a spice farm. I didn't think the spice farm was worth the money of the visit but it was very close by and run by the local community.

I really liked the place but I felt a bit isolated since we were out of town and there wasn't public transportation that we could just use when we wanted to. It was very hot in the afternoons because the sun shines directly on the porch so we tried to be out doing something else during that time period. Wonderful place to watch the sunset.

This is a definitely a place for those preferring to be away from the crowds and hustle and bustle of Stone Town. The personal attention of the staff, the help to organize transport and give advice was on hand. I loved the banda/ Reed chalet and had all I needed plus delicious meals. As a solo traveler I felt safe and the staff were superb in this, and all respects. A perfect spot to watch the setting sun

The location for traveling into Stone Town may be an issue for those on a tight budget but in retrospect I got to see a bit of village life. The beach is not great... (rocky and polluted), but there is a great beach and bar and pool within easy walking distance.

We spent 3 days here in a lovely ensuite lodge. The room was very comfortable and the bathroom provided all our needs with hot water whenever needed. The view was magnificent with beach access down a small set of stairs. The beach was nice with lots of locals using it and fishing in the shallow waters at low tide. Unfortunately there was lots of plastic rubbish on the beach which needs collecting up! The staff were amazing and responded to any request immediately. They brought us a great breakfast each morning and one night we had dinner there. It was served on our terrace and was the best meal we had eaten in Zanzibar! Well done Jabar Lodge team.

The staff was outstanding. Friendly, helpful, accommodating and discreet. The breakfast provided was outstanding with fresh fruit, baked goods and more. Sitting on the deck outside of our grass huts, watching the fishermen on the ocean was idyllic. On a three week trip to Tanzania, the best night's sleeps were here...the ocean air, comfortable beds and mosquito nets and the presence of security made for restful nights. A true Tanzanian experience!

Closer access to cultural experiences would enhance the experience so travellers do not have to go into Stone Town for enriched travelling experiences. Even in conjunction with other lodges, offering lessons or other activities would provide a richer experience for guests.

The location of Jabar is fabulous. Tucked away off the beaten path with amazing ocean views. Only 4 rental huts on the property so no chance of being overbooked with too many guests. The place was very relaxing. The bed was super comfy. Great wifi. The breakfast was plentiful and superb. We had a plate of fresh fruits each morning with an omelette. We also ordered dinner a couple of nights which was also great. The service we received from Jamal (owner) and his staff, Malek and Fahmy was exceptional. My wife fell ill and Jamal arranged for a doctor to come out to visit on location to provide treatment and medications. They go the extra mile to ensure that you comfortable and have everything you need. Do not hesitate to stay here...you won't regret it! Thank you Jamal, Malek and Fahmy.

I only wish we could have stayed longer!

The staff were very attentive. Jamal was very helpful before and during our stay. The breakfast was great and very filling. The room/patio had a very nice view of the ocean (although the beach/ocean wasn't in the condition that I would have wanted to swim in - lots of rocks and fishing boats). Although Jabar Lodge didn't have a swimming pool, the location was good as we could walk to other hotels and use their pools for a reasonable fee. Overall it was a very simple, comfortable and relaxing place and met the island experience I wanted to have.

The bed had a dip in it and wasn't the firmest. The bolt on the door didn't work which I mentioned upon leaving. I'm sure it was attended to.

very friendly, caring and attentive staff. Lovely, simple banda’s just perfect for relaxing away from the hustle and bustle of the resorts. There are only 4 bandas so Jabra Lodge if not busy and crowded. Lovely food, catered to dietary issues. All meals are served outside your Banda. Lovely view out over the ocean. Jamal and his team want you to thoroughly enjoy your stay and will organise tours and trips if you wish, but it’s equally a great place to just relax as long as you don’t want lots of facilities. Not many other places around so dining here or when out for the day is the only option but this wasn’t a problem for me. You may be the only non- Zanzibarian on the beach but it’s fascinating to walk along and see the fishermen go about their work. As a solo female traveller I felt very safe staying here! A great place to just relax and enjoy being in Zanzibar and not in a resort.

it is noisy at night but Jamal has provided ear plugs.

Beautiful sanctuary from the hurry of the city. Wonderful ocean views and easy beach access. This is a tropical paradise. Easy access to local fish market, great place to see the dhows come in and out. Huts made of sustainable materials, yet all the modern conveniences you could want. The staff is super friendly, gentle souls, and helpful and feels like rafiki (friends). They serve breakfast right on your patio and have lunch and dinner options here. We had such good food that we would just ask Malik, the chef, to "surprise us." Jamal, the owner, is very friendly and helpful. He helped us arrange transportation to and from his lodge and has connections with tour companies to arrange any tour you might want to take.

The only minor inconvenience is that some nights there is music playing from a nearby bar.  They provide ear-plugs in every room for light sleepers and are in the process of fighting the noise issue. 

Beautiful lodge with a good sea view. Staff were very friendly & helpful. Fahmy & Fezely (smiley) were exceptionally helpful. Breakfast was lovely & filling & varied daily. A good central location for exploring the island. Wi-fi was adequate for keeping in touch with the world. The staff did all they could to keep the mosquitos at bay, spraying the rooms and lighting incense sticks every evening.

We were asked if we wanted dinner one evening in which we agreed as it was getting late. We were given overcooked octopus and rice which was totally inedible. When we told the staff, the chef came & apologised telling us it was too late to order dinner, which is why it wasn't very good. My initial thoughts were if it was too late to order dinner, why was it offered in the first place? When we came to settle the extras bill before checking out, we were offered very little money back for the overcooked octopus and rice as the owner was not on site to agree to any refunds. Mosquitos were in abundance at the lodge but kept at bay by the staff.

Total Paradise. Loved the cozy cottage and the beautiful ocean view from our terrace and the lush foliage and colorful flowers….the staff was amazing and Jabar saw to our every comfort. The breakfasts were amazing loved the tropical fruits and the other offerings. The carrot ginger soup made to order was superb. So incredibly peaceful there. I can’t wait to return!